Jews and Synagogue

Organizational Behavior and Management

Organizational Behavior and Management Introduction Directorial behaviour is the study that investigates the blow on persons and groups behaviour in companies undergoing change. This is very important because the resulting knowledge is used to improve the effectiveness of an organization during change (Martin, 2010). Organizational change on the other hand, is the modification in the ranks in an organization.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Organizational Behavior and Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Change is inevitable since organizations operate on open systems which interacting with the dynamic external environment. In the following paragraphs, the themes and statements in the Eight Stages in Kotters book Leading Change† will be compared and contrasted with specific concepts discussed in the Ivancevich textbook. Stage 1: Establishing a Sense of Urgency Kotter speculates that for change to occur, 76% of a companys population needs to embrace change for it to happen. If the whole company is convinced about the need for change, the easier it will be to implement it (Kotter, 1996). One way of creating a sense of agency, is having an honest and convincing dialogues; especially on the market trends and competition activities. The big idea here is that if many employees are involved in the change, the urgency to implement will be fuelled by the employees themselves. Likewise, Ivancevich points out that motivating the employees is important to initiate change. This is because if some employees are motivated, they are bound to motivate their mates (Ivancevich, 2010). When employees talk about the impending change, they will be actually be promoting it. A proper channel should be chosen for communicating matters related to the impending change. This will make sure that all aspects of the change are understood and avoid the spread of wrong information in form of rumours. Wrong information has the potential of creating unrest and this should be avoided. Step Two: Unite a Powerful alliance In order to convince employees that change is crucial, a strong leadership and visible support from the directors should be established. A coalition of professionals from different disciplines should lead the change. Some of these leaders would be needed for their expertise, status and political influence (Kotter, 1996).Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Once the leaders in the organization have been identified, they should be urged to be fully committed up to the emotional level. The coalition formed should then work as a team so as to balance out their weaknesses. This is very important since individuals from different disciplines are bound to disagree and have shortcomings. However, Ivancevich points out the need of recognizing the impact of an informal organization in implementing change . There is need to use informal leaders to help initiate change, since formal organizations are usually resistant to change. Communication is much widespread and free in an informal setting than in a formal one. This means that people will be aware of the change in a more casual way and easily adapt to it. Also, communication channels in a formal setting are slower and usually appear dictatorial. On the other hand, an informal way is more welcomed. Step Three: Create a Vision for Change The third step in effecting change, involves setting of a clear vision which can help everyone in the organization understand why and how the change is needed and implemented. The management must ensure that everybody in the organization understands everything regarding the impending change. People tend to accept directives as long as they understand them; therefore proper vision statement is vital for change (Kotter, 1996). In this step, the values that are vital to the change are determined and a s hort summary that sets out the future of the organization is developed. Also, everyone in the organization should understand the methods needed to execute the vision created. Ivancevich supports this stage since he emphasizes on the need to have a clearly set vision, mission and plan for change to be successful. This is important as people work best when they know what is expected of them. Step Four: Converse the idea After the mission has been set, it needs to be spread in a very influential way. Since there are usually many messages communicated daily in an organization, the vision of the change has to be communicated in a way that is bound to leave an impact. Therefore, the change vision should be stated powerfully and frequently.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Organizational Behavior and Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It should also be embedded somewhere everybody in the corporation has a high chance of reading it (Kotter, 1996). During meetings, the change leaders should mention the vision or at any other suitable time. Additionally, the vision should be the basis of making the current decisions and solving the present problems. By keeping the vision fresh on everyones minds; it will be a reminder of how to proceed with the current duties. Most importantly, the leaders should be the role model when it comes to adopting change. Ivancevich addresses this issue on his theme of communication. Step Five: Removal of Resistance Kotter’s fifth step in organizational change, points out to the need to remove opposition to transformation. If most of the employees have already embraced change, the few resisting should be eliminated for change to proceed smoothly. It is important for the leaders to identify individuals who are embracing change and those who are not. Once they are identified, the leaders should do their best to convince them on the importance of change. If the y are still resistance, they should be let go. Rewarding individuals embracing change can be used to encourage the resistant to follow suite. Ivancevich outlines reasons of resisting change: certain employees usually see a change as a form of the bosses to benefit themselves. Others resist simply because there are uncertainties surrounding the whole issue of change. Therefore, due to fear and selfishness, they oppose change. Ivancevich also recommends that the individuals resisting change to be enlightened on the benefits of the change. One of the differences between Ivancevich and Kotter is that Ivancevich recommends the use of force to ensure that change is implemented. Ivancevich therefore, partially supports this stage. However, both of them agree that resistance should be uprooted. Step Six: Create Short-term Wins Success is the best motivator, and therefore employees should be given a chance to celebrate every success in implementing change. Short-term goals in the change proc ess should be set with the aim of achieving the greater change (Kotter, 1996). The goals that are reasonably achievable should be evaluated to see if everything is going according to the plan (Pitts, 2006).Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For example, by observing sure-fire projects that will not receive any strong critics or expensive, leaders will be able to asses the success rate of the change. Also, they will be able to predict the speed of implementing rate and its efficiency in operation (Kotter, 1996). Finally they will be able to analyze the potential pros and cons of the intended change. If the early targets do not succeed, the entire change process can easily be shattered. In comparison, Ivancevich states that employees like being rewarded for work well done. This is achieved if targets are well set and rewards, either in verbal form or promotions, are given to those contributing to change (Martin, 2010). Step Seven: Capitalizing on the Change Kotter reasons that a lot of change programmes are unsuccessful because triumph is announced prematurely. Quick wins are only the beginning of what needs to be done, consequently, after every win, it is wise to analyze what went right and what can be worked on as far as the next set targets are concerned. To continue building on the momentum already achieved and to keep ideas fresh, new change agents and leaders in change coalition will be needed (Kotter, 1996). In support of this step, Ivancevich points to individuals who act as catalysts and assume the responsibility of managing change activities; they can be managers or employees. Step Eight: Attaching the Changes in the Company’s Traditions At last, to make any change solid, it should be a part of the company’s main business. Because company culture often dictates its activities, the values behind the change vision must be noticeable in the daily work. As a result, efforts to guarantee that the change is experienced in each and every aspect of the organization should be made. This is bound to bring about change in the company’s culture (Kotter, 1996). Ivancevich describes culture as the manner things are done around a certain society. Therefore if change is incorporated in the company culture, it is likely to stick and be accepted as a norm. References Ivancevich, K. (2010). Organizational Behaviour and Management. Boston: Harvard. Kotter, A. (1996). Leading Change. New York: Harvard Business School Publishing. Martin, J. (2010). Business and Economics. New York: Macmillan. Pitts, J. (2006). The Effects Of Managerial Communication and Justice Perceptions. Seattle: Yellowstone.

Explore how managers can use specific communication models to create Essay - 1

Explore how managers can use specific communication models to create more effective working teams - Essay Example Key communication models are helpful towards creating more effective working teams. The Claude Shannon’s model is the simplest model of communication that is utilized in a traditional organization. In this model, there are two parties to communication. This involves the idea of the source and the receiver. The source initiates communication by sending a message to the receiver. The sender encodes a message into a form that the receiver can interpret. On the other hand, the receiver decodes information given one’s disposition. The encoded message is the signal while the decoded message is the received signal. The communication model is simplistic and it teaches a manager how communication is basically structured. The model, however, seeks to reinterpret rather than inform about an effective way of communication. This theory of communication reflected the context in which it sprang. This was the genesis of mass communication exemplified in items such as the radio and the television. In the end, it unified all later communication theories since it interp reted the basics of communication. It, therefore, teaches managers that communication involves two parties that deserve attention. This model, however, is a minimalist representation of an actually complex reality. In the real organizational environment, both the source and receiver can interchange roles. In the organization, communication may either begin from the managers or emanate from the employees and departments towards the opposite party. Communication also occurs within departments and take place between departments. In most cases, the department acts as a communication party, especially when it collectivize the opinions of the employees (Baran & Davis 2010, P. 111). Due to its simplistic mode, the model is useful in instruction giving. A manager should ensure that

Case Study 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

2 - Case Study Example It had the expertise, and had the best knowledgeable game developers in the market then. With these strengths defined, the management could have looked at the weaknesses. Weaknesses are the internal factors that if not managed properly can potentially affect an organization’s very existence. Weaknesses in most times are what other competitors dwell in in offer to win a competitive advantage over other firms in the same industry. When Kotick took over the leadership of the activation blizzard company, he looked at the weaknesses of the EA Company, and capitalized on t5hese to get the company on it5s feet again. After a number of years, the company surpassed the company in the level of sales and the market share. Had EA seen these weaknesses and capitalized on them, perhaps Activision Blizzard would not have taken over from its market leadership. In essence, an opportunity is an unexploited business idea. Kotick, after joining the industry saw a number of opportunities that EA c ould not see. Subsequently, the company managed to take over the leadership of the gaming business from the EA Company. Therefore, exploiting these opportunities before Activision Blizzard could, would have given the company a competitive advantage and saved it from the slippage that it currently faces. Threats on the other hand are a myriad of setbacks that would potentially affect the existence of the company. Competitors are part of the threatening factors for a company, a factor that EA never saw until it was very late. By the time it realized the strength of Activision Blizzard, it was too late as it controlled the biggest portion of the video-games market. 2. Michael Porter’s generic strategies theory consists of three strategies that businesses apply in order to stay ahead of their competition thus maintaining their competitive advantage. Porter classified these strategies into two dimensions, which included the strategic scope and the strategic strength competitive ad vantages. While the strategic scope focuses on the demand side by particularly paying attention to the size and composition of the market, strategic dimension focuses on the supply side of the organization, especially how to meet the needs of the target market (Mun, 10). In his theory, the cost leadership strategy involved two main ways of achieving the competitive advantage in a market, i.e. profit maximization by reducing costs but charging industry rates, or increasing the market share by charging lower market prices. Since the main objective of cost leadership is cost maximization, the costs that customers have to pay for commodities is a different issue (Mun 10). EA could have charged exorbitant prices for its games, regardless of the supply in the market. Perhaps, its games priced high, despite the market prices being relatively low. This way, customers could have preferred the company’s biggest competitor, Activision Blizzard. Differentiation strategy is the manner in which companies strive to make their products unique from the rest of the competitors in the industry. Through research, an organization can provide high quality products and through effective sales and marketing strategies. While Activision Blizzard capitalized on the features of its games, and providing its customers with improved games, EA relaxed, and never improved on the quality of its games through features. Activision

The Current And Potential Use Of Knowledge Management Within The Essay

The Current And Potential Use Of Knowledge Management Within The Airline Industry - Essay Example The Current And Potential Use Of Knowledge Management Within The Airline Industry The various sectors of both AirAsia and the Malaysian Air travel industry were considered and the study research conducted on how they have strategized their operations in order to reap the good benefits of Knowledge Management (AirAsia 2007). The key aspects of Knowledge Management with concern to the airline industry included the information communication technology, organizational learning that involves collective approach towards gaining intellectual capital by the organization, and knowledge sharing that is done between various organizations and institutions either within or externally to acquire better skills and knowledge (Christensen 2007). An industry analysis was conducted and it was clear that the Malaysian Air Services is an oligopoly. It was found out that ICT had been used in innovation, knowledge development and utilization and knowledge capitalization whereas organizational learning and knowledge sharing were so fruitful in improving the modus operandi and new business development for the two airlines. It was thus recommended that the AirAsia knowledge management practices needed to support their expanding business besides sustenance of its cost-leadership advantage and MAS would have to face challenges of its hybrid strategy of competitive pricing and differentiation that would in turn make its brand recognized as a five-star value carrier. (Oxford Business Group 2007). 2.0 Introduction The term Knowledge Management is a diverse field though does not have a specific common definition throughout the universe. In a general sense this is the collective use of skills, principles, facts and rules embodied in a firm’s knowledge assets to add value to the organization by gaining competitive knowledge over othe r firms (Stonehouse and Pemberton, 1999).Knowledge Management is a prerequisite to successful operation by various companies in the current hyper-competitive and ever-dynamic environment where survival can only be a product of their ability to develop longing knowledge-based competencies which can be easily adapted (Nonaka, 1991).though it be difficult to manage, it is most likely that it is the most strategic organizational asset (Shepard, 2000) and is the dominant way of gaining competitive advantage. Knowledge can be classified as either generic or specific though to a certain degree specific knowledge is unique to the firm hence it is more likely source of competitive advantage and is the basis of main competences in comparison with generic knowledge which is even so necessary for business operation (Stonehouse and Pemberton, 1999).the airline industry with its very competitive nature, dynamic stance, complexity alongside its high dependence on knowledge management gives

Research Questions And Hypotheses Applied When Conducting Research Psychology Essay

Research Questions And Hypotheses Applied When Conducting Research Psychology Essay Introduction Research questions and hypotheses are two internationally standard and essential components of academic research. This paper will attempt to make a distinction between the two concepts, in the process highlighting important elements within each concept. This paper will begin with an overview of the research process, explain the concepts of hypotheses and research questions and show how these two concepts are related to each other. In the second part of this paper, emphasis will be brought to bear on hypotheses and their uses in research, providing the reader some examples to illustrate. It will show how hypotheses are linked with other parts of a research study and conclude with the limitations of hypotheses. The third part of this paper examines the use of research questions in research. It offers examples of research questions, shows how they can be linked with other parts of the study and it then examines their limitations. The final part of this paper compares and contrasts hypotheses and research questions and it is from this point that the final conclusion is drawn. A General Overview of Research Research is defined as the art of scientific investigation (Kothari, 2004:p.1). It is the quest to obtain new knowledge or to extend the boundaries of that which is already known. Research, therefore, seeks to discover, explain and predict phenomena through the skilled and systematic manipulation of variables. The research process starts when the researcher encounters a question or related questions which he or she thinks could and should be answered. When a researchable question comes up in the problem area of the researcher, he or she gathers tools to find out whether the proffered solutions offered by the hypothesis/hypotheses are workable and if an intervention were to be carried out, the likely chances of its success. In academic research, the researcher is expected to link the research questions with the purpose of their study and their objectives. Explaining the Concepts The following are brief explanations of the key terms used in this paper which include hypotheses, research questions and the relationship between them. Term Definition Con Hypothesis A tentative explanation for an observation, phenomenon or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation Research Questions Formally stated questions intended to provide indications about something of interest or relationships between variables in the research process Variable A quantity or attribute of a construct which is likely to vary What are Hypotheses? Hypotheses is the pluralized form of hypothesis. It originates from the Greek word hypothesis, which means groundwork, supposition or foundation. A hypothesis therefore from its early origins was used to mean a supposition, or unproven explanation for any given phenomenon. To the layman, hypotheses are simply conjectures which are proposed ideas to explain facts or observations, or simply stated, an educated guess. An example of this could be Dar es salaam is hotter than other cities because it has fewer trees. Hypotheses are also used to mean expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence such as when a person says thinking good thoughts can heal your illnesses, and thinking bad thoughts will make you ill. In research, however, a research hypothesis represents a predictive statement, testable by the scientific method of inquiry, which relates an independent variable/s to some dependent variable(s) (Kothari, 2004, p.201). A hypothesis is also defined as a testable proposition about the relationship between two or more concepts (Gray 2004, p.7). Another important fact about a hypothesis is that it retains the character of an educated guess until facts are found to confirm or discredit it (Mauch Park, 2003, p. 136). When hypothesis are used in research, the proposition must be testable. The following are examples of testable hypotheses: Students who study for one hour a day or more perform better than students who study less than one hour a day Students who learn using the problem based learning methodology retain knowledge for longer than students who learn using traditional methods of learning. What are Research Questions? A research question is a formally stated question intended to provide indications about something of interest in the research process. It is a statement which identifies the phenomenon to be studied. A research question, unlike a hypothesis, is not limited to investigating relationships between variables. The research question is a statement framed as a question which may ask about the relationship between variables (such as dependent and independent variables) in a research study, or which may make an interrogative general statement about the area under study. The Relationship between Hypotheses and Research Questions While a hypothesis is a formal statement about the relationship between variables, the research question is a formally stated question providing indications about concepts in the study and not limited to investigating relationships between variables. Hypotheses are often guided by research questions. While some research questions may be tested by hypotheses, others do not require hypotheses testing (see page 10 below). A well thought out and focused research question is expected to lead to a hypothesis showing relationships between two variables. Hypotheses, although they are important, are not essential for an academic study. There are studies in qualitative research which are focused on theory building which start with a mere research question and end in a series of generalizations which may be made to form a theory. A research question such as the following could fit into this category: How do members of the Ankole community experience marriage? The Use of Hypotheses in Research The researcher often hypothesizes in order to help give direction to their work. When the researcher does this, he/she makes inferences based on what is known (facts) and observed conditions in reaching a decision on how to approach a study. The researcher may come to a hypothesis from a thorough analysis of the theoretical and factual background of a research problem. For example, a researcher conducting a study on the relationship between obesity and cancer may discover a trend from reading medical reports which links the consumption of certain types of foods to the onset of cancers. From this angle, the researcher may develop a hypothesis that the consumption of the foods is related to the onset of cancer and worth studying as a specific hypothesis. Types of hypotheses A hypothesis may be classified in terms of how it is derived as either inductive or deductive. While inductive reasoning seeks to create general principles from starting with many specific observations or instances, deductive reasoning seeks to create a specific conclusion based on generalizations. An inductive hypothesis is a hypothesis formed through inductive reasoning from many specific observations to tentative explanations of the causes. An example of inductive reasoning is from observing from Christian history that leaders in the church have been violent, intolerant and prejudiced to making an inductive hypothesis that Christians are all violent, intolerant and prejudiced. A deductive hypothesis is one which is formed through deductive reasoning which starts with a premise such as a theory, and then forms a conclusion based on that premise. An example of a deductive hypothesis is using the premise all Nigerians are scammers and Niyi is a Nigerian, therefore the conclusion Niyi is a scammer. A hypothesis may also be classified on the basis of its formulation as a research hypothesis which may be directional or non-directional, the null hypothesis, and the statistical hypothesis. As mentioned earlier research hypotheses are conjectural statements of expected results. They could either be directional or non-directional. A directional research hypothesis anticipates a specific outcome and states the expected direction of the relation or difference between variables. An example is a student class using problem-based learning will demonstrate higher achievement than a student class using teacher centered instruction methods. A non-directional research hypothesis is one on which an outcome is anticipated but the specific nature of the outcome is unsure, or put simply, it only states that a relationship exists. An example of a non-directional hypothesis is there will be differences in achievement between a student class using problem-based learning and one using teacher centered instruction methods. The null hypothesis is used in statistics and it is simply a hypothesis that no difference or relationship exists between the variables under study. This does not represent the outcome expected by the researcher and is only used for statistical reasons. The null hypothesis is the opposite of the research (or maintained or alternative) hypothesis. Linking hypotheses to other parts of the study In the quantitative approach to research, hypotheses are derived from research questions and are used to link the variables of the study. Each hypothesis may be linked to a specific research question. In empirical studies, the testability (the measure to which the hypothesis may be tested) and acceptability of a hypothesis help negate or accept a theory the theory upon which the assumption is being made. For example, in a study in which the research hypothesis states that there is a significant positive relationship between lateness to work and employee productivity, if the researcher were to discover a significant positive relationship between the two variables listed through the study, it would imply that the alternative hypothesis be accepted. Therefore the findings of the research would strengthen any underlying theory linking the concepts of lateness and employee productivity. Limitations of hypotheses A hypothesis is restricted in use in empirical research to concepts which are clear and unambiguous. A hypothesis therefore helps the researcher in the formulation of clear research concepts. A hypothesis may not be used for instance to measure concepts which have different meanings for different people. That is why, for example, it is often an elusive endeavor trying to measure concepts such as intelligence which do not lend themselves to clear empirical testing. Concepts in hypothesis must have indicators with which they can be measured by. The means of measuring indicators or instruments of measurement must be valid and reliable if the results from hypothesis testing are to be relied upon. A hypothesis is also limited to testing researchable concepts. Concepts such as the will of God may not be researchable due to the difficulty of finding valid measures. Use of Research Questions in Research Research questions are used in different ways depending on the research approach. For the purpose of this paper, we shall see how they are used in quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitative research Research questions could be used in quantitative studies to highlight the key variables in the research problem which need to be compared with one another in order to draw a conclusion. When they are so used they may generate a hypothesis for each question as outlined in the cases outlined below. Research questions may also be used in descriptive studies which aim to describe the characteristics of an event, region or community. An example of a research question as used in a descriptive study could be What candidate are Nigerian voters likely to support for President. Research questions, when used in quantitative research, must relate to the problem statement and outline the specific query which the researcher seeks to answer. After the research question(s) is/are stated, the resulting hypothesis is outlined. For example, if the problem of the study is related to why women have higher scores than men on an IQ test in a certain district, one of the research questions may be: What percentage of women has higher IQ scores than men in this district? Qualitative Research In qualitative research such as in Grounded Theory, or Critical Theory research, research questions usually focus on one concept or idea rather than making assumptions among groups. In this type of research, research questions also are often based on hunches or personal experience. An example of a research question in qualitative research is How do Kenyan women view domestic violence? In qualitative research, research questions may generate data which may generate a pattern for stating a generalized statement such as a hypothesis or theory. Types of Research Questions Gray (2004, p. 70) distinguishes between four types of research questions: descriptive, normative, correlative and impact research questions. Descriptive research questions are about what is happening and may show which methods are being used. An example of a descriptive research question is what proportion of private universities has a health and safety policy? Descriptive questions may be answered without the need for a hypothesis as their aim is simply to establish a frequency. Normative research questions seek to establish what is actually happening in contrast to the norm or what should be happening. An example of a normative question is to what extent are private universities complying with health and safety laws? Normative questions may be answered with a narrative rather than the use of a hypothesis. Correlative questions seek to establish relationships and are interested in the strength of relationships between variables. An example of a correlative question is what is the relationship between management style, university ranking and compliance with health and safety regulations? While correlative questions may be tested by hypotheses, they do not seek to establish causality but intend to correlate variables and show the existence or otherwise of significant relationships between them. Impact questions seek to establish causality in relationships between variables and measure the effect which variables have on one another (i.e. what impact does a change in variable x have on variable y?). An example of an impact question is does compliance with health and safety regulations have an impact on productivity? Impact questions may also be tested by hypotheses. Examples of Research Questions Research questions are derived from the objectives of the study and should help to break down the problem of study into manageable units. If the problem of the study is about the relationship between input metrics and the effectiveness of universal basic education, where input metrics are defined by: The teacher-pupil ratio Classroom availability Textbook availability Availability of audio visual tools Availability of learning materials including chalkboards, chairs and desks, and stationery Valid research questions in this scenario would include: Does universal basic education receive critical support from the government regarding its input metrics? What is the relationship between the teacher pupil ratio and the effectiveness of universal basic education? What is the impact of classroom availability on the effectiveness of universal basic education? What is the relationship between textbook availability and the effectiveness of universal basic education? Is the effectiveness of universal basic education influenced by the availability of audio visual tools? What is the relationship between availability of learning materials and the effectiveness of universal basic education? The first question does not require the use of a hypothesis but the other questions do. This is because the first question can be approached by using a narrative based on qualitative study using observation and primary and secondary data. These different variables, as mentioned earlier, should each have indicators which are measurable and attainable in order to properly use the research questions above. Linking Research Questions to Other Parts of the Study Research questions are derived from the purpose and objectives of the study and are often tied to each hypothesis, which are logical extensions of the research questions themselves. Research questions help to narrow the focus of the research on researchable areas within the scope of the study. The research questions can be directly linked with the findings of the research in qualitative studies where there are no hypotheses. In this case, questions may be used to guide the researcher and when a tangential point becomes of greater interest, new questions are used to determine the ways in which to approach the research bearing in mind the new evidence uncovered. The research questions are also linked directly to the research problem which underpins the study. The research problem may in itself be too wide in scope to be satisfactorily tackled by limited research. The research questions therefore, help to streamline the research into areas which may be studied. Limitations of Research Questions Research questions are useful inasmuch as they ask questions which can be linked directly with the objectives of the study. In quantitative studies, just like hypotheses, they help to narrow down the area of focus for the research on acquiring information which is researchable and desirable. In qualitative studies they help to set the focus for commencing discussions into the area of study in order that data may be generated. Research questions are simply statements of a focused objective of the study. They are used especially when the researcher may not want to specify the direction of the relationship among the variables, or they may be used to determine the key variables from the research objectives. Comparing and Contrasting Hypotheses with Research Questions The following is a point by point contrast and comparison between hypotheses and research questions Area Hypotheses Research Questions Use Generated from qualitative research but used in quantitative studies Used in both quantitative and qualitative research Outcome In a hypothesis, the predicted relationship between variables is either true or false With a research question, the answer to the question may be closed (e.g. a yes or no answer) or may be open and descriptive in nature. Verification A hypothesis is empirically verifiable The answer to a research question may not always be verifiable Generation Hypotheses are generated from research questions Research questions are generated from the research problem. They may or may not generate a hypothesis Intent The hypothesis helps to test a relationship between variables i.e. can be tested and verified The research question seeks to help gather preliminary data for a study In Qualitative research Hypotheses are generated Research questions are used as a guide As can be seen from the above, research questions are quite integral to the concept of research just as much as they are indelibly linked to hypotheses, in quantitative research. The two are used as an aid to delimiting concepts for empirical study in quantitative research and while research questions are used to guide qualitative research, hypotheses are products of qualitative research. Summary and Conclusion The focus of this paper has been to show the various differences between hypotheses and research questions and how these concepts are used in research. These have been highlighted starting with functional definitions, explanations and limitations of the various concepts involved. The different types of hypotheses and research questions have also been enumerated and explained while showing how they may be used in research. The paper has shown concrete contextual examples to illustrate the different concepts from a local perspective and examples of each concept have been used to aid the reader at each step. This paper has concluded with a tabular exposition of the contrast between research questions and hypotheses for validation of premises earlier outlined.

High Reliability Organizations Essay -- Safety, Security, Hazard

In recent years, many organizations particularly in a high risk industry have experienced significant losses. For this reason, they have been more considered the importance of the concept 'High Reliability Organization' (HROs). Weick and Sutcliffe (2001) as cited in Takagi and Nakanishi (2006), claim that a comprehending of the HRO concept can lead to clearly understand a technical system within an organization. This leads to minimize any failures from unexpected circumstances. To be more precise, it can be said that the HRO principle assists the organization to determine the risk factors that may negatively affect a company performance in an early stage of a project life cycle. Similarly, Laporte and Consolini (1991) as cited in Aase and Tjensvoll (n.d.) state that any high risk organizations who has applied the HROs principles tend to have an outstanding safety records. This essay will first provide a general overview of HROs concept and then identify five characteristics of mindfulness which are consistently recognized as the aspect of HROs. In the second section, it will introduce the 'Normal Accident Theory' (NAT) by Charles Perrow. Finally, it will highlight the recommendations in improving the current emergency practice to be more effective. Perrow (1986) as cited in Aase and Tjensvoll (n.d.) notes that one of the most important characteristics of HRO is to avoid hazardous operational breakdown. In addition, the impact of such failures can be considered as 'catastrophe' resulting in there are 'complex interactions, highly interdependent technologies and 'tight coupling' within an internal system. Moreover, Weick and Consolini (n.d.) as cited in Haudt, et.al., (n.d.) state that there are five characterist... ...ial approaches which are Normal Accident and HROs, although it seems certain that both of them tends to limit the progression that can contribute toward achieving to highly protective systems. This is because the scope of the problems is too narrow and the potential of the solutions is too limited as well. Hence, Laporte and Consolini et.al., (1991) as cited in Marais, et.al., (2004) conclude that the most interesting feature of the high reliability organization is to prioritize both performance and security by the managerial oversight. In addition, the goal agreement must be an official announcement. In essence, it is recommended that there is a continuing need in the high risk organizations for more awareness of developing security system and high reliability environment in order to gain highly successful method to lower risk in an advance technology system.

Rebel Women vs. Yankee Women

Rebel Women vs. Yankee Women Many stories have been told about the Civil War; there is the story of Gettysburg, Stonewall Jackson’s death, Robert E. Lee leading his solders, and many more. However, we only hear the smallest amount of information about what the wives of these soldiers are doing. It would be interesting to dig deep into the details of the support army general wives gave, what the government expected from women of both sides of the war, and the main differences of lifestyle back on the home front.Women were a huge part of the Civil War and supported the soldiers in many ways. My goal is to find the difference between the support Robert E. Lee’s wife and George Meade’s spouse gave. Robert E. Lee was an outstanding leader so it is a wonder what sort of support he received other than from his soldiers and assistants. George Meade was also an interesting character of the war and took reign at a difficult time, right before Gettysburg; he would have need ed some emotional support. Mary Anna Randolph Custis was General Lee’s wife, married in 1831.Even though many women were not educated, Custis had a fine education and was intelligent. Mary’s mother, Molly, was a huge advocate for freeing slaves and eventually had Mary believing in the same rights. They tried to weaken the harsh conditions of slavery and let their own slaves free. However, they were not quite convinced African Americans should be part of the society. 1 Mary had many suitors; she turned down requests from distinguished cousins, Sam Houston and two sons from the Revolutionary war hero, Harry Lee.It was believed that there were few worthy of her love, but Robert E. Lee claimed it. He was a distant cousin to her and a childhood friend. Although others thought their finances and sexual life was a scandal, they were wedded. The life of a military wife that Mary had to begin living was a worry to General Lee. She grew up sophisticated and had a wealthy life. M ary, even though she missed her childhood home, followed Robert Lee to his field posts.She spent much of the time drawing and would only return home for pregnancy or illness. Through the war she had wished her husband would leave the army, but she stuck with him through it. It is not odd to wonder how she mustered the strength to raise seven children, follow her soldier husband and stay sane. Many would say that focusing on her artwork helped with the extensive traveling. After Virginia succeeded, Mary told her husband that she would support any choice he made. 2 Mrs.General Lee was a very loyal wife and showed her support towards the Confederates after feeling pushed away by the North. She would visit hospitals of soldiers and knit socks for the ill men. A neighbor tells this about the Lee home: â€Å"People came to talk of victory or sorrow; they could stay here if they had nowhere to go†¦The brightness of her nature amidst uncertainty and pain, was wonderful. †3 An in spirational image of her is her sitting on her home porch knitting while there is fire in the street.

PAPER WRITING SERVICES

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Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) essays

Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) essays Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects 3-5 percent of all American children. It interferes with a person's ability to stay on a task and to exercise age-appropriate inhibition (cognitive alone or both cognitive and behavioral). This research paper will go into the causes and research that is developing in the study of ADHD. This research paper will also go into various treatments and guidelines into understanding and dealing with children with ADHD. Attention Deficit Disorders have become a very highly controversial topic during the last decade. Attention Deficit Disorder, also known as ADD, is a broad, almost generic term for the different types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders. The Diagnostic and Statistical manual of the American Psychiatric Association offers us this definition: "ADHD is a disorder that can include a list of nine specific symptoms of inattention and nine symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity." In addition, the Concise Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia provides this interpretation: "(a) chronic, neurologically based syndrome, characterized by any or all of three types of behavior: hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity. Unlike similar behaviors caused by emotional problems or anxiety, ADHD does not fluctuate with emotional states." About 13% of the school-aged population has the full ADHD syndrome, without symptoms of other disorders. Another 510% have partial ADHD syndrome with on e or more other problems, such as anxiety or depression. (CHADD) Gender and age affect the way the patients display their symptoms. Boys are more likely to have the disorder than girls. The symptoms of ADHD usually decrease with age, but those symptoms related with other similar disorders are said to increase with age 3050% of children with ADHD may display symptoms, although often times less severe, into adulthood. ADHD may be ob...

Concrete Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Concrete - Case Study Example Concrete remains the most essential part of our daily activity, as people need to take shelter in their homes, which are built with use of concrete. In fact, all buildings, roads, bridges that people use today are constructed with concrete. Some constructions like bridge over the Colorado River, built with strong concrete, are almost 250 yeas old. However, the changes in the manufacturing process, based on the research and developmental efforts have resulted in different types of concrete, being used presently. The use of admixtures and plasticizers to produce concrete of high strength is an example in this direction. The background of concrete goes back to the time of Egyptian pyramids, which are almost 5000 years old. Since then, many civilizations have used concrete for building and decorative purposes. The utilization of concrete is now found almost everywhere for projects involving infrastructure, building architecture and decorative construction work. Egyptian technicians used gypsum and lime that served as mortar for the bricks used for building pyramids, Bricks were made of mud and straw. This process continued for many centuries until 300 B.C. when Romans discovered the use of a material that is very near to the modern cement, as they built different architectural structures including Colossuim and Pantheon. This was during the period from 300 B.C. to 476 A. D., when the Romans also mixed animal fats in their cement that served as admixtures. Britisher named Joseph Aspdin, a stonemason discovered Portland cement in 1824. The name Portland came from the mining area, which produced the tough stone required for making such cement, which came from stones quarried on the Isle of Portland, in Great Britain. During the year 1828, Portland cement was used extensively in the construction of tunnel under Thames River Experimenting with the mixture of clay and ground limestone, Aspdin created a product that he named Hydraulic cement, as this mixture became

The Financial Folly of MLB Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Financial Folly of MLB - Case Study Example The case has sub - issues within the main case that include the behavior of other teams that participate in the league. The character and trend in behavior of the teams together with their fans is a factor that can make it a topic of consideration or discussion. In such a particular case, strategies that have to be used to solve the problem have to be critically analyzed. The strategy that has been used here is that of taxation, and the owners are planning to switch formulas. The strategy will be done in a way that the largest percentage of money is awarded to the team with the largest revenue unlike where before the largest percentage was given to the team with the lowest revenues. This strategy comes with the opportunity in instilling motivation among the teams but faces the challenge of revenue allocation because determining the percentage for the middle teams will not be easy. In relating to the main issue of performance of the organization, the economic policy might bring about mixed results. At first, due to resistance from other teams and stakeholders, revenues will be low but they are bound to increase with time after a clear understanding of the policy and the teams have been synchronized. As a recommendation, the government should take the initiative and offer more revenues and percentages to the organization that are in the economy. Apart from job security being guaranteed, there is also job satisfaction to both the owners of the Baseball League and the